♡♡♡

Alette's POV

Taking some hair mousse in my hands, I applied it onto my almost dry hair. I turned on the blow dryer, drying my hair the rest of the way and fluffing out my bangs.

I wanted to take the time to curl my hair, but we had decidedly slept in way too long, and would run late. The mousse and blow dryer combo was working wonders, my naturally wavy hair looked shiny and flowed down my back nicely.

Minus the pesky baby hairs.

I turned off the dryer and put it in the drawer, walking out of the bathroom.

I was met with quite the delicious sight: Reece, shirtless, holding Carino to his chest.

I was convinced that he was a fragment of my imagination. No way somebody could look like that.

He looked up at me with slightly furrowed brows, petting Carino softly.

"I don't think he likes that noise," he stated quietly.

I tilted my head in confusion as I walked towards him, "What noise?" I asked.

"The hair dryer thing," he muttered, looking back down at Carino thoughtfully.

I bit my lip in concern, sitting down beside him, reaching out to pet Carino softly.

He gave a bleary meow, looking more exhausted than anything.

He was lazier than his father if I was being honest.

Ares placed Carino gently on the bed and he went to go snuggle on our pillows.

We both watched him get comfy, and Ares finally looked away from him once he was satisfied that Carino was okay.

He turned his gaze back onto me, his eyes soft as they darted across my face. His hand cupped my cheek and I leaned into his palm, as his lips met mine for a slow kiss.

He pulled away after a moment, and I sighed, smiling shyly.

His toyed with the ends of my hair, running his finger through the strands; his eyes were darker when they met mine again.

I pecked him quickly, standing up, "We should get ready now lovebug, I don't want to be late."

He stood up, running his hands through his hair and walking to get a towel. I walked over to pet Grasso, who was sitting on one of the chairs in the room, before getting my makeup.

Ares walked towards the bathroom with a towel in his hands, making sure to slap my butt as he walked by me.

I yelped and narrowed my eyes at him.

He winked.

I blushed.

I heard him undress and get into the shower while I began to do my makeup.

Selina had stated that we should all come to the party more dressed up; it wasn't anything formal, but she said look cute so I had picked out something nice to wear.

I used some tinted moisturizer and cream blush on my cheeks. I added a bit of light brown shadow in my crease, and then a coat of mascara. I popped on a pink gloss and some glittery highlighter that Jojo had gotten me.

Happy with my look, I cleaned all of my makeup, putting it back in the drawers.

Ares walked out of the bathroom wearing a pair of black slacks that were unbuttoned, as drops of water glistened on his chest.

"You're so hot!"

I covered my mouth in shock, once I realized that I had blurted out the words.

He looked taken aback for a second, before his mouth lifted into a half-smirk, and he walked lazily over to me.

I shot out of my seat with a yelp, "Nope! Have to change."

I ran into the closet, but of course he followed me.

I turned around and pointed a finger him, "You have to stop doing that, w-we don't have the time."

He leaned against the doorframe, "Baby, I haven't even said a word."

I blushed, "You know exactly what you're doing, mister," I huffed, "And you need to stop that right now."

He hid a smile, straightening his face and nodding, "Let's get changed then, darling.

He walked over to me and lifted the hem of my shirt slightly, and I yelped again, jumping away.

"Don't you even dare! You did that just two hours ago and..." I looked around abashedly and whispered, "You left marks on my chest!"

He raised his eyebrow, "Can I leave some more tonight?"

"Ares!"

He laughed, throwing his head back at my flustered state.

He leaned down once he was finished laughing, and gave me a soft kiss on the head. Moving to where the clothes were hanging, he took the dress that I wanted to wear off the rack, and handed it to me.

"I ironed it, let me know if its okay," he said it as he moved back to the rack to pick out his own shirt.

My heart warmed at his words, he had ironed my clothes for me while I was showering.

It wasn't the most grand of gestures, but it was unbelievably kind and unprompted.

I leaned over and kissed his bicep, "Thank you, gorgeous, I love you so much."

His cheeks tinged pink and he cleared his throat, "Going to change."

I giggled lightly at how shy he could be, and grabbed some white undergarments to wear under my dress.

Closing the walk-in closet door, I slipped off my sweats, and carefully got dressed in my outfit.

I had chosen a pearlescent white, silk slip dress. It was quite plain and the neckline wasn't too low.

Thankfully, because Ares had taken his time after we woke up from our nap, kissing his way down my chest.

I fanned my face, trying not to turn too red when I thought of his lips on my skin, and his fixation on my chest.

It was too much for me to handle at this moment in time.

I fluffed my hair out, and walked out of the closet.

Ares stood in the middle of the room, working swiftly on putting his cufflinks on the cuffs of his white shirt.

His eyes trailed my face, and then swept over my dress.

I smiled softly and walked over to the mirror in the room, looking at my reflection in the mirror.

It was a pretty dress.

The thin straps sat on my shoulders; the modest cut of the neck revealed only a few of my fading scars.

I looked at my face, seeing the smartly applied makeup, and hair that shaped my face.

I looked older. I looked stronger. I looked healthy. I looked pretty.

My love's arms wrapped around my middle as he walked up behind me.

He bend his head down, placing a slow, purposeful kiss on the bare skin of my shoulder; on top of an old scar that didn't hurt anymore.

"You're ethereal, Alette Faye."

I leaned into his touch, placing my hands on top of his, which were clasped on my stomach. Our rings, our promises to one another, sat atop each other.

He kissed my shoulder again, his breath fanning over the skin, causing an equal amount of goosebumps to rise over my body, and warmth to encapsulate my soul.

"Siamo angeli con un'ala sola: possiamo volare solo se abbracciati."

I didn't know the meaning of the words he said, but the devotion in his eyes made my heart feel as though it were taking flight.

His kissed my shoulder once more.

"A life without you, is a life unimagined. I love you, with every fibre of my being Alette. Thank you for guiding me to the sunlight."

I turned around, my breathing catching.

I looked into his soft eyes, the ones that contrasting against the sharp edges of his face.

The sheer strength that emanated from him left me in awe; the same way it had on the first day I had ever laid my eyes upon him.

Within the strength, there was an ocean of kindness.Kindness that had enveloped me with open arms, despite how difficult it was at first.

And then there was love.

Through and though.

Love in its many forms.

Adoration. Care. Trust. Understanding. Patience.

Our love story had been imperfect, and yet, I couldn't seem to see it as that. There was no part of me that would go back and change a thing.

"Thank you for guiding me to the sunlight."

His words resonated deep within my soul.

He was right: we weren't the light for each other; we had just paved the way for the light. We had found ourselves first, and then came the love.

We were two, whole, beings separately first.

And only then, we were Aresius and Alette.

I reached up and cupped his face, running my thumb across his cheekbone.

My eyes were bright as they stared at the light in his.

I inched up, my lips meeting his.

His hands cupped my face, holding me in place.

He tasted like the purest love.

We both smiled into the kiss at the same time, and pulled away.

"I love you."

The words left our mouths the way a promise would.

With matching smiles, we finished getting ready, moving around the room, tender touches exchanged every time we passed one another.

I put on my soft, light pink sweater over my dress.

Ares clasped on a dainty gold necklace on my neck; a present my Papa had given Mama after they had me.

My friendship bracelet peaked out underneath my pink sweater, and I smiled, tucking it safely into the fabric.

Spritzing on some perfume and grabbing a small clutch, I turned off the lights in the room, picking up Carino in my hands.

Reece held my heels in his hands, shutting the room door so that we could walk downstairs.

Grasso followed as I placed Carino in his crate, finding a cosy spot on the cat bed.

I kissed my finger, pressing it on both of their heads, and walked towards the front door.

We met by the front door, Ares kneeling in front of me as he put my strappy white heels on me.

I kissed his forehead, and he grabbed my hand, turning on the security system before we walked to the car, Oscar's gift in my hand.

He opened my door for me, and we both got buckled in, the afternoon sun following the sleek black car as we drove.

The radio softly played a song in the background, a ballad professing love.

The trees that lined the street swayed, the birds taking flight.

It was as though the whole world was in tune with us.

"What was it your Grandmother said to us, Alette?"

I smiled, turning to look at his relaxed face.

"It's your world, and we're all just living in it."

I repeated her words; the ones she had said to both of us.

He gazed at me for a moment, the smile on his face reaching all the way up to his eyes.

"That's what it feels like," he said, turning his eyes back onto the road.

I sighed, intertwining our fingers and looking out of the window.

"That's what it feels like," I repeated, my whole being coated in bliss.

It wasn't long before we arrived at the party, which looked to be in full swing.

Ares opened my door for me, grabbing the present and purse from my hands as I straightened out my outfit while we walked through the front door.

There were a few people inside the house, some familiar to Ares as they nodded in greeting; the real party was in the backyard however.

We walked outside, saying hello to a few people. There was a mix of Oscar and Selina's family that I hadn't ever met, and individuals from Ares' work that I had already met.

"Faye!" Rowans voice yelled for me from across the big yard, and I immediately smiled.

He ran towards me, and I caught him in my arms when he finally jumped onto me.

"Hi Row Boat! I missed you sweetheart," I gave him a tight squish.

"I missed you Faye! You look pretty," I giggled and poked his nose, "I wish I was marrying you," he pouted, something he said when we first announced that we were engaged.

"Well you're not."

"Uh oh...better watch your back Rowan," Oscar sang teasingly and I looked over to see Ares roll his eyes.

"What's on my back dad?" Rowan asked, confused.

I giggled, "Nothing Row Boat, your dad is being silly," I put him down and he moved over to give Ares a fist bump.

Ares bent down to Rowan's level, listening to him as he spoke.

I moved over to give Selina a hug, and wished Oscar a happy birthday.

Ares straightened up as Rowan ran off again, buzzing with energy.

"Happy Birthday," he muttered at Oscar, "Old as hell."

He said the second part under his breath and Selina laughed out loud.

"Don't make me punch you at a family function Adler," Oscar threatened.

Selina wrapped her arm around Oscar, shaking her head, "You are pretty old, mi corazón," Oscar frowned, "The grey hair is sexy," she winked at him and he smirked as Selina laughed again, grabbing my arm.

She walked with my arm in hers, introducing me to a few people in her family, and a few of her friends.

The moment that it got too overwhelming, I only had to glance towards the edge of the yard, meeting Ares' eyes as he stood with Oscar, Jakob and a few unfamiliar faces.

I felt safe each time that our eyes met.

Selina introduced me to one of her closest friends last; Ophelia was a beautiful woman with two young kids, and the softest voice I had ever heard. I sat and spoke with her while Selina entertained the other guests.

She was kind and protective over her kids, but there was something in her eyes that made me think that she was stifling some angry monster.

Grams and Uncle Syl arrived twenty minutes after us, Uncle Syl walking towards Oscar while I introduced Ophelia to Grams.

With Lucia sat on my lap as I conversed with Grams and Ophelia, I watched as Uncle Syl and Ares approached us.

Grams greeted Ares, and introduced the two to Ophelia, who nodded timidly before looking away, fidgeting with her fingers.

I watched interestedly as Uncle Syl stared at the dainty woman, his sharp eyes soft.

Ophelia looked uncomfortable at the presence of the two men, and jumped up to help Selina serve the food when she asked.

Selina declined my request to help, asking me to hang on to Lucia. Ares took a seat beside Grams and me.

Lucia made baby noises, reaching out to grab Ares' hand.

He reached forwards, and she took a hold of his finger, beaming with all her might.

There was a faint smile on Ares' face as Lucia moved her hands forwards and grabbed his one hand with both of hers.

I blushed at the twinkle in Grams' eyes when we made eye contact.

I cleared my throat and looked around, my gaze falling upon Rowan, who seemed to be trying to engage Jakob in a conversation.

Jakob looked shocked out of his mind, but extended his ringed hand forwards so that Rowan could lead him to where he wanted.

Jerryl, Zion and Tai snickered as Jakob was dragged away by the excited child.

Everybody mingled and ate food before Oscar cut his cake. Rowan sang the loudest, as Selina watched on with Lucia in her arms.

The sight made me move closer to Ares as his hand tightened on my waist.

I looked up into his eyes that were filled with promises.

I gave him a soft smile.

Soon.

We all grabbed some cake, and I nudged Uncle Syl, raising my eyebrows at him when he looked at me.

He had been staring at Ophelia, as she sat sharing cake with her two kids, a little bit away from the crowd.

She had a young daughter, probably Rowan's age, and a son that was slightly older.

Uncle Syl gave me a dismissive smile, running his hands through his hair as he walked over to converse with one of Oscar's cousins.

I shrugged and walked over to Grams, taking a seat beside her.

Ares sat in the chair on her other side, crossing his arms on his chest.

I laid my head on Grams' shoulder, smiling contently as I placed my hand in her lap, holding onto one of hers.

"You know," Grams began, her tone full of love, "I didn't think you would ever allow yourself to be loved, my Faye. I'm proud of you."

She reached over and grabbed his hand, "I'm proud of you too precious boy, you both have come so far."

"T-Thank you...Grams," Ares said, quietly.

I beamed, and Grams pinched Reecie's cheek.

I wish I could've taken a million pictures of the sight of Grams squishing his cheek; it was quite the sight.

Grams and I talked softly, before Jerryl started playing some music on the speakers.

"Can I get the birthday boy on the dance floor please?" Jerryl said playfully in a microphone, as Jakob stood nearby, keeping him in check.

Where he had gotten a microphone was a mystery to me.

Oscar and Selina walked onto the dance floor first and Selina giggled as he twirled her around.

A few more people joined.

Grams clapped her hands together, "Ask your wife to dance, precious boy, and sweep her off her feet!"

I giggled and Ares cleared his throat, standing up without saying a word.

Ares wrapped his arm around my waist, and with him by my side, I didn't even notice everyone else that was around us.

I giggled as we clumsily fell into the sway of the song, my arms around his neck, and his on my waist.

I caught Jerryl's eyes, and he mouthed "OMG" to me, making me laugh quietly.

I leaned forwards and gave Ares a kiss on his chest.

I looked at him, the magical sunlight hitting the grey of his eyes.

I placed my hand on the back of his head, capturing his lips.

The look in his eyes lit my soul on fire.

"R-Reece?"

"My angel?"

"I-I want...c-can we go?"

We stopped moving; seeing, hearing and feeling nothing but one another.

The next few moments felt surreal, the space around us moving slow, while the two of us raced around in our own world.

I said a quick goodbye to Grams, and she smiled knowingly.

Grabbing my purse, we walked back to the car, Ares buckling me in as I tried to catch my breath.

Ares reversed the car, the late afternoon sun swallowing us in warmth.

I grabbed his hand, giving it a squish; he looked over at me and I smiled shyly.

"I don't want to go home just yet."

He smiled widely, "Yeah? What do you want to do, baby?"

"I have an idea."

We drove into the city, my body buzzing with excitement.

He parked outside of a line of stores, and I furrowed my brows.

"Wait just a second, angel girl," he unbuckled his belt, and walked out of the car swiftly.

I watched as he disappeared into a store, reappearing ten or so minutes later. He held a sizeable brown package in his hands when he sat back down in the car.

"What's this, lovebug?" I asked him when he placed it in my lap.

"You'll see in just a moment," he smirked.

He pulled away from the curb; tossing me his phone, "Call the third number down."

I unlocked his phone, pressing on the name that was third down in the call log.

The phone rang a few times before a gruff, "Yes?" rang out in the car.

I looked at Reecie, but he tilted his head, and I took a breath.

"H-Hi...Adrik...this is Faye," I said softly.

"Is something the matter? Are you alright?" he asked back, his voice suddenly more alert.

"No! E-Everything's fine..." I sucked in another breath; "Ares and I were wondering if you were close to the city right now? We need your...help."

He paused, and I glanced at Ares, but Adrik spoke again, "Send me the address."

I squeaked a little goodbye and Ares said the address out loud so I could send it to Adrik.

It didn't take long for us arrive at our destination.

I smiled shyly as he opened the door for me, grabbing the package in one hand and my hand in the other.